Letters to the Editor

I was alarmed and disturbed by student commentary in The Tech on
Friday ["UA Discusses Possibility of Student Honor Code," Feb. 7]. Jun B.
Lee '94 is reported to have said that cheating is unavoidable because of
the high-pressure environment at MIT. I feel it is important to note that
each and every student is subject to the same overwhelming pressures. Yet
not all MIT students cheat. It is possible to succeed at MIT without
cheating, and I would like to think that my peers are strong enough to
overcome temptation for the sake of integrity.

It is similarly upsetting to hear that David J. Kessler '94 feels many MIT
students would simply disregard an honor code. Unfortunately, from other
student comments I've read in The Tech this school year, I believe
his prediction is well-founded. Students have said that cheating is no big
deal, that everyone does it, and that cheating simply hurts the individual.
However, since most MIT classes are graded on a curve, a cheating student
in one of my classes not only hurts himself, he hurts me, and he hurts the
rest of the students in the class.

Students who have maintained their integrity in an environment contaminated
by corruption should be commended and encouraged not to be shy about their
feelings. Those of my peers who say that cheating is no big deal and
unavoidable should reconsider the ramifications of their actions --
cheating hurts others.

Bradley Edelman '93

Free Speech Does Not Protect Ethnic "Jokes"

Freedom of speech and the privilege of attending an institution like MIT
imply, but admittedly do not always require, responsibility. As MIT's
president, it often falls to me to defend freedom of speech and academic
freedom on our campus. I do so gladly and with conviction, because it is
important that our campus and society allow people to give voice to
difficult questions and analyses that may differ radically from the
norm.

Such defenses begin to ring hollow, however, when individuals engage in
mindless, offensive, and hurtful behavior just to "prove a point." This is
precisely how I would characterize the use of computer bulletin boards by
an MIT student to disseminate repugnant ethnic "jokes" (as noted in a
recent article in The Tech).

Surely those who exercise freedom of speech have a responsibility to
consider the consequences of what they say. Disparaging remarks about
certain groups within our community are hurtful to those individuals and
diminish us all.

Charles M. Vest

President

Computer Network Not the Place for Anti-Semitic Humor

Editor's note: The Tech received a copy of this letter addressed
to President Vest.

I'm deeply disturbed about reports that at least one student at MIT is
using the computer network to broadcast misogynist and anti-Semitic jokes,
even Holocaust jokes. The use of our communications technology in this way
can only diminish and dehumanize the members of some groups in the eyes of
others. To dehumanize is a precursor to harassment, and even to persecution
and terror. If individuals want to demean themselves by telling such jokes
in private, they are free to do so. But to use MIT communication facilities
to greatly amplify the audience for such jokes should not be considered
acceptable behavior at MIT. It is difficult enough to create a community of
civility and caring where people feel safe to share and learn without being
confronted with such ugly assault.

Rev. Scott Paradise

Episcopal Chaplain

Institute Recycling Needs Improvement

I recently spent some time at a certain Ivy League school a couple of hours
south of here. Like MIT, this school is one of the largest organizations in
its city. Unlike MIT, this school has made a superb effort to set an
example for the rest of the city by its behavior. Standing anywhere on
campus, either indoors or out, one can easily spot the recycling bins that
have become so pervasive. One can always find a bin within a few dozen
meters, not only for paper recycling of various sorts, but also for cans
and other recyclables.

In contrast, I have found that in order to recycle even the most common
type of waste, plain paper, I have to get to an Athena terminal room. Even
worse, I have managed to find only two can recycling bins on the entire
campus, and one of these is in a locked room (the 6.001/6.004 computer
lab), into which one is not even (officially) allowed to bring drinks!MIT
has an obligation to the community, not to mention to the rest of the
planet, to set an example by making a very visible and enthusiastic push
towards recycling of waste.

I suggest that a good start to such a push would be to distribute recycling
bins of all kinds at regular intervals around the campus. Ideally, there
would be recycling bins next to every trash bin, which would make it
difficult for even the most ecologically apathetic person to avoid
recycling.

Samuel R. Peretz '89

Pro-Life Downplays Significance of Roses

The Class of 1993 and MIT Pro-Life are each selling roses for Valentine's
Day in Lobby 10 today. The MIT Pro-Life drop poster in Lobby 7, posters,
and booth advertising downplay the political significance of the rose as
the pro-life symbol, as well as the fact that the money raised will be used
to further their anti-abortion agenda. If you disagree with the pro-life
agenda, please purchase your Valentine's Day roses from the Class of 1993,
not MIT Pro-Life.

Emily Yeh '93

Marcel Bruchez '95

Claire Woodman '95

Officers, MIT Students for Choice

UA President Seeks Input on Tuition

On Feb. 18, the Academic Council will meet to set next year's tuition
rates. If you have anything to say to the Institute on this matter, please
let me know before the 18th. Feel free to call at 253-2696, 225-7131, or
send e-mail to stacymcg@athena. Thank you.